County News

​Those who visit the Government Building at the 2014 Dakota County Fair will be learning more than they ever knew before about The Recycling Zone in Dakota County.

With The Recycling Zone as its theme this year, the building will be covered in educational messages that will not just help people understand what recycled materials are turned into, but also remind them of the variety of items that are accepted for free at their local recycling facility.

Some aspects of The Recycling Zone will even be brought directly to the fairgrounds as fair-goers are invited to drop off their unused cell phones, ink cartridges and plastic bags in the Government Building for free and environmentally-friendly disposal. Adults can also browse Dakota County’s online Green Guide to learn what can and can’t be recycled, and utilize online maps to search for driving directions from their home to The Recycling Zone, while kids enjoy a variety of activities in the building.

To inspire children to get into the habit of recycling, Dakota County staff will give superhero capes to kids as a reminder that “Superheroes Recycle” at The Recycling Zone. Local superhero Sustainability Man will also stop by to meet and greet kids from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Government Building.

The fair is held from Aug. 4–10 at the Dakota County fairgrounds, 4008 220th St. W., Farmington. Open hours at the Government Building are Monday, Aug. 4, noon–7 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday, Aug. 5-9, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.